Nutritional Values of Hay

The quality of nutrition from hay depends upon the amount of foliage in the hay. The more leaves present in the hay the higher the nutrient content.

  1. Significance

    • Hay is used as a supplemental forage feed during cooler months when fresh forage is unavailable to livestock.

    Features

    • Hay provides livestock with fiber, crude protein and minerals. The amount of nutrients is dependent on the variety of grass and the time frame in which it was cut.

    Time Frame

    • To have hay with increased fiber value you will need to cut it during full bloom. For hay with increased protein and mineral content, you will need cut the hay during early or midbloom.

    Considerations

    • The type of livestock you are feeding needs to be taken into consideration when growing or purchasing hay. Nutritional needs are also dependent on the animals' stage of development and their specific species.

    Warning

    • The later in the growing season the more depleted the soil, therefore, there are fewer nutrients available for the hay. Last cuttings have nutritional deficits.